760i.61/148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Steinhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—9:11 a.m.]
1041. The Soviet press today reports the arrival at Moscow yesterday of General Laidoner, Commander-in-Chief of the Estonian armed forces, with a small staff. He was received with full military honors and in the evening was tendered a dinner by Voroshilov at which Stalin and a number of high Soviet military and civil officials were present.
The press gives no indication of the purpose of General Laidoner’s visit, but I have learned on good authority that it is primarily a visit of courtesy which had been arranged some weeks ago. It is probable, however, that in view of the present situation the question of the use of the Soviet bases in Estonia in connection with military operations against Finland will be discussed.
Repeated to Riga.